So, you've got your new fishing reel and you're ready to load it up with line. But before you can add your main fishing line, you need to tie on some backing. This seemingly small step is crucial for maximizing your fishing experience. Backing provides a buffer, allowing you to spool more of your expensive main line onto the reel, ultimately increasing your casting distance and giving you more line to work with when fighting a large fish. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to tie backing to your fishing reel effectively and securely.
Why Use Backing on Your Fishing Reel?
Before diving into the tying process, let's reinforce the importance of using backing. Here's why it's a vital part of preparing your fishing reel:
- Increased Line Capacity: Backing allows you to significantly increase the amount of your main fishing line on your reel. This is especially beneficial when targeting larger fish or fishing in deeper waters.
- Cost Savings: Backing is typically much cheaper than your main fishing line. This allows you to maximize your line capacity without breaking the bank.
- Improved Casting Distance: More line on your reel often translates to longer casts, giving you a better chance of reaching fish further away.
- Smoother Retrieval: A well-backed reel will often spin more smoothly, particularly when dealing with large amounts of line.
- Protection of Main Line: Backing acts as a protective layer, shielding your main line from the spool's surface.
Choosing the Right Backing Material
The best backing material is strong, thin, and inexpensive. Common choices include:
- Monofilament Line: A readily available and cost-effective option.
- Braided Line: While stronger, it can be more expensive and may be less smooth on the reel.
- PowerPro or similar braided line: Offers high strength-to-diameter ratio.
How to Tie Backing to Your Fishing Reel: A Detailed Tutorial
Now for the main event – let's tie that backing on! This method works for most reels:
1. Preparing Your Reel:
- Clean the spool: Ensure your reel's spool is clean and free of debris. This will prevent the backing from snagging.
- Attach the backing: Secure one end of the backing to the spool using a simple arbor knot. This is a basic overhand knot tied around the spool arbor (the central shaft of the spool). Tighten this knot firmly, ensuring it won't slip.
2. Winding the Backing:
- Start winding: Begin winding your backing onto the spool using a consistent tension. Avoid over-tightening, which can damage the line.
- Even layers: Keep the backing layers as even as possible to prevent hotspots and ensure a smooth retrieve.
- Fill the spool: Continue winding until the spool is almost full, leaving enough space for your main line. A general rule of thumb is to leave approximately 50-100 yards of space for your main line, but always check your reel's instructions for specifics.
3. Securing the Backing:
- Tie off: Once you've filled the spool sufficiently, secure the end of the backing with another strong knot. Consider using an improved clinch knot or a palomar knot for extra security. Make sure this knot is tight.
- Trim Excess: Cut away any excess backing, leaving about 6 inches for later reference if needed.
4. Adding Your Main Line:
Now that your backing is securely in place, you can proceed to tie on your main fishing line using your preferred knot (like an improved clinch knot or a blood knot, depending on the line type).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Backing Slipping: Ensure your arbor knot and your final backing knot are tied securely and are snug against the spool. If the backing continues to slip, you may need to use a stronger knot or add a small amount of adhesive.
- Uneven Winding: Practice winding with consistent pressure to maintain even layers.
- Knot Failures: Carefully inspect your knots and replace them if you have any doubts about their strength.
By following these steps, you'll be able to confidently tie backing to your fishing reel, ensuring a smooth and successful fishing experience. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to try it out a few times. Tight lines!
